Week 3: Sit 'Em
Week 1 predictions were on target except for Williams. Week 2 predictions were poor at best -- three for seven. These guys performed well and proved me wrong: Jay Cutler carried through with his promise to play better, Drew Brees showed that even against a tough defense that had a huge Week 1 that he can dominate, Tim Hightower had another TD and was valuable to both the ground and passing games and Colston was a big threat.
Drew Brees - 311 yards, 3 TDs and an interception
Jay Cutler - 236 yards and 2 TDs
Tim Hightower - 72 yards with 1 rushing TD and 3 receptions for 12 yards
Marques Colston - 8 receptions for 98 yards with 2 TDs
LT sat, Steve Slaton was ineffective for the most part and Olsen was limited. LT was a no go as his ankle injury is nagging. Steve Slaton ran for only 34 yards, but had 3 receptions for 25 yards Greg Olsen had 3 receptions for 41 yards From here on out this feature will focus only on players within certain rankings to avoid confusion with weekly Position Rankings. Projections will not include players that are within the following ranges: #1-6 QB #1-10 RB #1-12 WR #1-6 TE
QB Matt Hasselbeck, ---
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I agree that Matt Hasselbeck should be downgraded. The broken rib he suffered is likely to hinder his performance for weeks to come. If he starts this week, I would not expect much. Seneca Wallace as a replacement should not be your first choice. There are several other QBs out there who can fill a spot if you really need a fill-in. Hasselbeck is not a good pick to start this week versus Chicago, injury or not.
QB Carson Palmer, ---
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Palmer's Week 1 was less than desired. Despite his solid performance in Week 2 -- throwing for 3 TDs and running for 1 --, Carson Palmer is not a start on my list versus Pittsburgh this week. Cincinnati should struggle versus Pittsburgh, especially if they are pressured and force turnovers. Palmer has 4 interceptions so far this season and only 3 passing touchdowns. I foresee this game being focused on the ground and it will likely get stifled there as well.
QB Matt Schaub, ---
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Matt Schaub had a career performance last week. He threw for nearly 400 yards with 4 TDs. Schaub is definitely one of those players you might consider selling high. I like the team Houston has put together and think they have potential, but Slaton has struggled to get his ground game going and that has consequences for the passing game. This week versus Jacksonville the Houston run defense will be tested by Jones-Drew and the clock will grind down. If Slaton can get Houston's ground game jump started, then they have a chance to be productive through the air; I do not trust Slaton as of yet this season, therefore I do not have complete confidence in Schaub.
RB Cedric Benson, ---
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Cedric Benson appears to be a renewed player this year. After his past bust in Chicago and off-field issues, many counted him out, but he has impressed this season being owned by teams in 80-95 percent of most leagues. Last week he ran for over 140 yards. I would not expect those numbers this week. Benson will be used often, but I think his style will be cramped by the stout defense he faces in Week 3.
RB Fred Jackson, ---
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Fred Jackson had a monster Week 2 on the ground. He covered 163 yards rushing with 6 receptions as well. This week he and his Buffalo teammates are going to have to keep pace with the high powered offense of New Orleans. Brees and company will likely put on another show. I was skeptical of them last week, but was proven wrong. Jackson will most likely be limited in production because his team will be playing from behind. Edwards will be throwing, so Jackson will get some receptions (though his ground game will be slow or a non-factor).
